Young bookworms at Walsall Manor Hospital now have their own mini libraries and dedicated reading areas thanks to a local charity.

The Black Country National Literacy Trust (NLT) recently came to the hospital in a visit organised via Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity.

The NLT is an independent charity that empowers children, young people, and adults with the literacy skills they need to succeed in life.

The Black Country NLT, facilitated by its Literacy Champions, launched two mini libraries on the Children’s Ward and in the Paediatric Outpatients’ department. The charity also donated 200 books.

The Black Country NLT Team led a storytelling session of the book ‘Mr. Men Little Miss Hospital’ during the visit.

Young patient Hajra, aged five, said: “My favourite thing was listening to the story. I really liked it and want to do it again!”

Christie, mum to seven-year-old Evelynn-Grace, said: “It was great to see her engaging with the books and reading session. I think it was really nice for the literacy trust to come and do this as it is something different to encourage children to get reading and enjoy it while in hospital.”

This initiative is aimed at enhancing the hospital experience for young patients. The library areas provide a comforting and engaging environment, with some of the books designated as gifts for children to take home, encouraging a lasting love for reading.

The charity not only supports literacy but also contributes to the emotional wellbeing of young patients during their hospital stay.

Oni Hamilton, Literacy Champion – Project Officer said: “It was such a privilege to be able to support with launching the mini libraries and to be able to engage with the children.

“The Literacy Champions and I really valued this experience and seeing families engaging with the books together. We would love to be able to come into Walsall Manor Hospital again in the future or to be able to host regular storytelling sessions, led by the volunteers.”

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager at Walsall Healthcare, added: “Thank you so much to the Black Country National Literacy Trust Team for setting up the storybook corner and donating some lovely books. You could tell by the children’s faces that they were really interested and enjoyed interacting with the storytelling session.”

If you would like to hear about upcoming literacy related events the NLT is planning around the Black Country, click here.